Come Holy Spirit and fill my heart with love for you. Gentle Guest of My
Soul, enlighten me so that I may truly understand Christ’s love for me. I am not worthy of this
love, but I do implore your mercy.

Petition:

God, grant me to better
exercise charity towards those around me.

1. Behold the Heart That Loved Until Death:

The crucifixion of Christ is the event that “expresses with stunning clarity how
Jesus is a symbol of contradiction. In fact, people line up on two sides: those who adore him and
those who mock him.… It is the most sublime school of love: in sorrow, Jesus forgives those who have
made him suffer, responding to evil with good” (Pope John Paul II, March 12, 1989). Today we
contemplate that heart which loves us infinitely –– not only then but also now. Lord, thank you for
your love. Teach me to reciprocate that love.

2. Look upon the Pierced One:

As Christ was
dying, the soldiers and rulers of the people mocked him as they were disappointed in their
expectations. The people, on the other hand, looked on. Of the criminals crucified with him, one
mocked him while the other one entrusted himself totally to his love and mercy. Each of us who looks
upon the Pierced One looks upon him in a different way, but there will always be a choice to make:
love him or mock him. Lord, I love you; help me grow in love for you.

3. Christ Raises the Bar:

Just as Jesus surrenders himself to the Father’s will, so too, we must surrender
ourselves if we want to show our gratitude. After contemplating Christ’s love, we cannot go on
loving the same as before. Every day we need to grow in love and appreciation for what Christ has
done for me. We were like birds caught in a trap, and now we are free. Freely we need to communicate
this love to all mankind through prayer, words and our example. Ask Christ for the decision to do
whatever it takes to communicate his love to those around you.

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